Newcastle specialist adult weight management service (Tier 3): Guidance for healthcare professionals

We offer specialist multi-disciplinary weight management assessment and interventions led by psychology and dietetics.

We also offer support and fulfil the need for tier 3 support prior to bariatric surgery.

Prescribable injections

Prescribable injections that help reduce weight (such as Wegovy and Mounjaro) are being slowly phased in as an NHS treatment option. However, access will be based on strict criteria.

For the first year, and from approximately the end of June 2025 people may be eligible if they have at least 4 specific diagnosed health problems that can improve with weight loss (mostly cardiovascular conditions) and a BMI over 40.

A small number of patients may be eligible to get these through our specialist weight management service as part of this limited roll-out.

If patients are interested in buying these privately, please recommend they approach a licensed and reputable pharmacy.

Interventions we offer

Group-based education sessions (face-to-face/online).
Advising appropriate dietary regimens.
Addressing psychological barriers to unhealthy relationships with food.
Stabilisation of eating patterns and achievement of nutritional adequacy.
Addressing psychological distress related to eating, or specific problems that impact on eating behaviours.
Engaging patients in healthy conversations about lifestyle factors such as physical activity.

Referral criteria

The service is for adults aged 18 and over who are registered with a Newcastle GP.

Patients are eligible for the service where:

BMI 50¹ and above – all will be accepted, without prerequisite for tier 2 input.
BMI 40¹ and above + engagement with a tier 2 or equivalent service in the past 2 years
BMI ≥ 35¹ with co-morbidities² + engagement with a tier 2 or equivalent service in the past 2 years

¹ A tolerance of BMI 2.5 on each criterion above for at-risk groups: Black African, Caribbean, and South Asian origin.

² Obesity related co-morbidities: established cardiovascular disease; Type 2 diabetes; impaired glucose tolerance; severe hypertension; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); polycystic ovarian syndrome; osteoarthritis and on medication; severe lower limb major joint disease (requiring orthopaedic intervention); idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Inclusion criteria

Patient has not undergone weight loss surgery within the last 24 months.
Patient has not disengaged from or completed treatment within this service within the last 12 months.
Patient is not pregnant.
Patient does not have an active, uncontrolled medical condition or unstable psychiatric disorder/mental health condition.
Patient does not have active alcohol or substance misuse.
Patient consents to a referral to weight management service.
NICE guidance states “all appropriate measures have failed to achieve or maintain adequate clinically beneficial weight loss for at least six months.”
Patient has been recently screened (i.e. within the last 6 months) to rule out underlying endocrinology factors contributing to weight and support monitoring. Screening to include a measure of blood pressure (BP) and the following blood tests: FBC, U&Es, Bone Biochemistry, TSH, HBA1C, Lipid Profile (ideally fasting) and Liver Function tests. We are unable to progress referrals unless these blood tests and measure of BP have been undertaken
Previous engagement with a Tier 2 weight management service within last 2 years (e.g. health coach sessions, PCN dietitian, local Tier 2 service or national digital Tier 2 service, slimming groups)

Referral and contact Information

GPs can refer to the service via the existing e-referral System (e-RS)

Newcastle Hospitals health professionals can refer into this service (referral form can be requested by email from address below).

[email protected]

0191 282 4354

Supporting resources

Training

Weight management specialists within North East and North Cumbria region, have designed e-learning modules which health, social care and third sector workers (also working in the region) can access.

The modules aim to provide knowledge and skills to help support people living with obesity. There is a range of topics included, from how to initiate conversations with patients about their weight to looking at different treatment approaches.